U.S., Nigeria sign customs accord

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA), which allows for better cooperation between the two nations when investigating and preventing customs offenses.
In addition to helping stop smuggling and prevent customs fraud, the agreement will help both parties accurately assess customs duties. U.S. Customs authorities, according to officials, will also be able to increase border security due to the enhanced information exchange that comes with the agreement.
“Customs authorities around the globe are on the frontline, securing nations and communities against the threat of terrorism and transnational crime while facilitating legitimate commerce,” Thomas S. Winkowski, CBP’s acting commissioner, said in a statement. “This agreement strengthens our nations’ resilience against threats by expanding cooperation and information sharing."
Currently, CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have 66 CMAAs with other countries and the American Institute in Taiwan. - Jon Ross